LAFC goalkeeper Tomas Romero declines invitation to join El Salvador national team

Los Angeles FC goalkeeper Tomas Romero has declined El Salvador’s invitation to join La Selecta to keep his hopes of playing for the US men’s national team alive.

The Salvadorian soccer federation confirmed the story. La Selecta head coach Hugo Perez then commented on the situation during the team’s most recent press conference. 

“The case of Tomas Romero is personal,” he said. “The United States has five options for a goalkeeper, so I told him to really think about it before deciding. If he wishes and has the ability to play with us, he will be welcomed.” 

The national team is preparing for the upcoming Group A Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, facing the U.S. Virgin Islands and Antigua and Barbuda. The group leader will advance to the second round of qualifiers in hopes of securing a Qatar 2022 place.  

Despite declining this invitation, Romero has in fact been part of El Salvador’s squad before. He featured for the national team at the Concacaf men’s Olympic qualifying tournament in March. He was named a starter in the Group B match against Haiti. The team’s efforts came short of success, failing to reach the semi-final round. 

MLS wise, Tomas Romero joined LAFC last February after his Homegrown rights were signed over from the Philadelphia Union. The Los Angeles-based team acquired the player to deepen their bench and provide healthy competition for Pablo Sisniega. Prior to reaching the fields of MLS, Romero spent the 2019 season leading Georgetown University to the Division I NCAA national title. 

Despite making the bench on several occasions, the goalkeeper has yet to make his MLS debut with LAFC. Pablo Sisniega continues to prove himself on the pitch, remaining Bob Bradley’s first-choice option. 

As a 20-year-old, the goalkeeper has a bright future ahead with plenty of options.